Title: Akhtar saw Mukkabaaz & said, ‘You don’t like making money’: Anurag
In the world of cinema, making a film that resonates with audiences is a challenging task. It requires a deep understanding of the story, characters, and the underlying themes. Sometimes, filmmakers have to take bold steps to convey their message, even if it means going against the conventional norms of storytelling. This was the case with Anurag Kashyap’s 2018 film, Mukkabaaz, which tells the story of a young boxer’s struggle to make a name for himself in the world of professional boxing.
Recently, Anurag Kashyap revealed that renowned screenwriter Javed Akhtar had some strong words for him after watching Mukkabaaz. Akhtar, who has written scripts for many iconic films, including the iconic Sholay, told Anurag that if he had shown Vineet Kumar Singh’s character, Shravan, winning at the end of the film, it would have been a commercial success. However, Anurag refused to alter the film’s ending, choosing instead to show the harsh realities of the Indian sports system.
“I remember Javed Akhtar saw the film and said, ‘You’ve a problem. You don’t like making money’,” Anurag revealed in an interview. “He told me, ‘If you’d shown Shravan winning, the film would have been a hit.’ But I wouldn’t have made the film to show Shravan as a winner because I wanted to show the reality of Indian sports. I wanted to show the struggle, the politics, and the corruption.”
Mukkabaaz tells the story of Shravan, a young boxer from Uttar Pradesh who dreams of representing India at the national level. However, his journey is fraught with challenges, including corruption, nepotism, and exploitation. Despite his talent and dedication, Shravan faces numerous obstacles that threaten to derail his career. The film is a powerful commentary on the state of Indian sports, highlighting the systemic issues that prevent talented athletes from reaching their full potential.
Anurag’s decision to show Shravan’s struggles rather than his success was a deliberate choice. He wanted to create a film that was both entertaining and thought-provoking, one that would challenge audiences to think about the state of Indian sports. “I’ve always believed that the best films are those that make you think, that make you feel something,” Anurag said. “I didn’t want to make a film that would make people feel good, but rather one that would make them uncomfortable. I wanted to show the reality of Indian sports, and that’s not always a pretty picture.”
Akhtar’s comments are not surprising, given his background as a successful screenwriter. He has written scripts for many iconic films, including the iconic Sholay, and is known for his ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences. However, Anurag’s response to Akhtar’s comments is telling. He is unwavering in his commitment to his vision, even if it means going against the conventional norms of storytelling.
Mukkabaaz received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Anurag’s direction and Vineet Kumar Singh’s powerful performance. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over ₹20 crore at the box office. However, Anurag’s decision to show Shravan’s struggles rather than his success was a deliberate choice, one that was driven by his desire to create a film that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, Anurag Kashyap’s decision to show Shravan’s struggles rather than his success in Mukkabaaz was a bold and deliberate choice. It was a choice that was driven by his desire to create a film that was both entertaining and thought-provoking, one that would challenge audiences to think about the state of Indian sports. Despite Javed Akhtar’s comments, Anurag remained committed to his vision, creating a film that is both a powerful commentary on the state of Indian sports and a compelling story of a young boxer’s struggle to make a name for himself in the world of professional boxing.
